I'll take a position in this discussion. I don't care at all what some people think you need to do to be a "real umpire." It's a silly discussion designed to dismiss certain folks due to arbitrary characteristics. If members of this group want to dismiss me because of the level of ball I work, I chose this handle to make it easy for them.
A
good umpire:
- Exercises good judgment. Her decisions are consistent with the facts.
- Applies the rules correctly with deferrence to appropriate custom and usage.
- Manages the game with respect for the participants and to keep it moving efficiently.
- Works well with her partner or partners by taking care of her responsibilities and supporting them in theirs.
Everything else: dress, equipment, training, mechanics, experience, and raw talent (whatever that is) are useful and necessary tools to achieve the goals, nothing more.